Public Art
As part of our cultural mandate, the John Braithwaite Community Centre is committed to promoting arts and culture through various programs, activities, displays of historical and cultural artifacts and public art projects.
Public art projects give local residents a chance to get involved in collaborating, creating and enjoying works of art and collections of artifacts. And the works of art—be they banners, sculptures, photos, tapestries or displays—make the Centre a welcoming, thoughtful place and enhance the Lower Lonsdale area. Public art activities at JBCC are sponsored by our Op Art Committee, on behalf of the Governance Committee.
We currently have two projects in development: When you're next at JBCC, take a moment to look at the following: The community centre is named after John Braithwaite, former City Councillor and community activist. The portrait, painted in oils by well-known artist Elizabeth Smiley and generously donated to JBCC, hangs over the fireplace in the lounge just inside the front entrance. Two display cases in the front entrance area display information, symbols, artifacts and art works that celebrate cultural diversity in our community. Check here for current postings about cultural festivals and other creative expressions of community life. Four aluminium street banners are displayed in the lower area of Rogers Plaza, next to Angelina's Cafe. A project of the North Vancouver Recreation Commission, these two-sided banners portray a sporting and cultural theme. Created by artist Blake Williams, they form part of a collection of ten Olympic banners displayed at various recreation and community centres in North Vancouver.
Portrait of John Braithwaite
Diversity Display Case
(in)Visible
In December 2004, Karen Ireland etched (in)Visible onto the mezzanine-level windows at JBCC. This North Shore Women's Centre project was funded by the City of North Vancouver through their Public Art Program as a creative expression of the need to raise awareness about violence against women and to help promote safety in our community. (in)Visible demonstrates the potential for art to engage the public in educational and meaningful dialogue about issues of social change and progress.
Street Banners
From time to time, JBCC sponsors public art workshops for the creation of street banners. Until recently, a selection of community art banners, including those pictured here, was displayed on the north side of West 1st Street, adjacent to Jack Loucks Court. Archival Photographic Displays
Two photographic displays at JBCC, created in partnership with the North Vancouver Museum and Archives with funding from the City of North Vancouver, remind visitors of Lower Lonsdale's history.